CD review SAXON "Unplugged and strung up"

(8/10) When I heard that Saxon releases an album with band classics in an unplugged/orchestral version I was doubting if this experiment would work out. I have seen the band twice live within the last 12 month and they played extraordinary plugged-in live shows. How would the material sound like in the new dress. After listening to the CD, which is called "Unplugged and strung up", I must say that the experiment was successful.

What I appreciate is, that the album doesn't contain only orchestral version, but has also some re-recordings and some unplugged version. This gives some extra variety.

Highlight is my personal favorite "Crusader". Already in the normal version the song's just great. But in the orchestral version the song sounds even better. This version makes the song even more powerful than it is anyhow. It's a more than 6 minutes pleasure for your ears. A proof that metal and classic can go together. The same goes for "The eagle has landed". The song became an epos in this version. Than there are also a few acoustical songs on the album. "Requiem" stands out. A great sound with a lot of emotion and dedication, esp. in this version. "Coming home" reminds me even a bit to the latest release of Monster Magnet and "Frozen rainbow" from the band's debut gets a stunning acoustical experience. Also to mention is the new recorded version of "Forever free". Andy Sneap, who produced and mixed the album, did a perfect job. The production is powerful and gives the songs the sound they need.

As an extra bonus the digipack and the double vinyl edition comes with the 2002 cult album "Heavy metal thunder". A great package.

"Unplugged and strung up" is an album which will be loved by all Saxon fans and I also think that the new versions will give the band some new fans.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

Unplugged and strung u

Stallions of the highway (remix)
Crusader (Orchester version)
Battle cry
The eagle has landed (Orchester version)
Red star falling (Orchester version)
Broken heroes (Orchester version)
Call to arms (Orchester version)
Militia guard
Forever free (re-recorded)
Just let me rock (re-recorded)
Frozen rainbow (acoustic)
Iron wheels (acoustic)
Requiem (acoustic)
Coming home (acoustic)

Bonus:

Heavy metal thunder

Heavy metal thunder
Strong arm of the law
Power & glory
And the band plays on
Crusader
Dallas 1pm
Princess of the night
Wheels of steel
747 (Strangers in the night)
Motorcycle man
Never surrender
Denim and leather
Backs to the wall

Label: UDR Music
Genre: Heavy Metal

CD review SAXON "Unplugged and strung up"

Live review SAXON Boerderij Zoetermeer 09-05-13

I have seen Saxon now two times within the last 6 month and they had two great shows in Holland. In Novemer 2012 they played a kind of best of show in the Patronaat in Haarlem. Then they came back ...

http://mwiemetalblog.over-blog.com/live-review-saxon-boerderij-zoetermeer-09-05-13